BUTTERBER PINK-FLOWERED, FUKI, Petasites hybridus
We are really happy to be able to bring you this new Butterbur, with it's huge leaves, and bright pink flowers that emerge through the snow in very early spring! Leaves begin to emerge from the ground after the plant is already in bloom. If you are looking for a wow plant, this is it!
Fuki are said to like moist soil. We have found them to be very tolerant of many conditions! The largest patch we grow is in mostly shade, with dry, sandy soil. In this location, they do need some water in the heat of the summer, or they will droop. If you have a moist area, or an area with rich, deep soil, they will likely need little to no watering. The leaves seem to get the largest in shady locations.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 120 cm, 47"
Location: Shade, part sun, or sun, depending on soil moisture.
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Seeds per pack: 20
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.
If you are planting your seeds in late winter or spring, these seeds can be planted outdoors while it is still cool out (once the ground is workable and unfrozen), to receive the cold period naturally in the garden. It is best to use this method only if you are able to keep the soil moist for the entire germination period. Be sure to label the planting area.
